Torrential rains wreak flood havoc in south-east

UP to 12 hours of torrential rain wreaked havoc across the south-east yesterday, with parts of Kilkenny and Wexford hardest hit.

Residents along John's Quay in Kilkenny were left wishing the ongoing €34 million flood relief project was complete. They had been told the quay in front of their homes in the heart of the city would never flood again. Last night, they were out with their sandbags, praying the Nore would retreat.

In Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, the Slaney burst its banks for the first time in two years, leaving businesses scrambling with sandbags to keep back the murky waters. Driving conditions were among the worst the town had seen in years.

Residents and businesses along Templeshannon, Island Road, Abbey Quay and Gurteen areas in the town today face yet another mop-up operation.

Flooding was also reported on the road between Larkin's Cross and Taghmon, the Ballymurphy to Kiltealy road and on the Wexford to Tullow road.

Pupils in Stoneyford national school on the Kilkenny-to-Waterford road had an unexpected day off. A large flood on the main road meant neither staff nor pupils could make their way into the building.

The situation was similar across the county with a fallen tree causing problems in Tullaroan, the main road to Tipperary flooded at Cuffsgrange and the main route to Dublin rendered almost impassable just before Paulstown.

Routes which could not be accessed right up to lunchtime yesterday included the Kilkenny to Freshford road, Kilkenny to Kells road and the Graiguenamanagh to Gowran road.

The main Waterford road at Ballyhale suffered significant surface flooding.

And the road at Jerpoint Abbey and at Knocktopher was also impassable for a while.

Bar surface water on the Tramore road, Waterford city largely escaped, as did Carlow town and county.